I've got a motorcycle battery that's dried out completely. I can get hold of some acid to fill it but I'm not sure what type would be right. I've seen 35% sulphuric acid and some stuff called 1.270sg. Or do I just need some acid, any old sort.
Some people have told me stuff can't be purchased too. Are there proper suppliers or is this all a bit 'under the counter'.
2007-04-08 20:10:19 · 17 answers · asked by t88ny 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
You only fill a battery with acid once - when its new.
If yours has dried out, the acid has turned into a coating of sulphates on the plates and bottom of the battery, the water left over has evaporated.
A battery in this condition will have internal short circuits and will never accept a charge.
If this has happened on the bike, then you may have a faulty regulator which will boil up your new battery too.
Best check the charging voltage - 14.5V at 4000 RPM = good, 28V at 4000RPM = meltdown.
2007-04-09 06:55:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can't. Pool acid is hydrochloric acid; the battery chemistry requires sulfuric acid. The battery will not work with pool acid. However, even dilute sulfuric acid will provide some activity. If you refill the battery with water - purified water is best but tap water will work in a pinch - the remaining acid in the battery should get you going. If not, at least you gave it your best shot and did not poison the battery.
2016-04-01 04:38:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You only fill a battery with acid ONE time after that you can only top it off with water. You can add water and charge it, it may work if the battery has not sat dead for an extended period of time. From what it sounds like you probably wil be buying a new battery. Battery acid (mixture of sulfuric acid and water)(not hydrochloric acid) can be purchased through most auto parts suppliers, usually one one gallon or five gallon containers. Most new bikes no longer use the fillable lead acid batteries, the new maintenence free sealed batteries come to the dealer with their acid in premeasured disposable containers.
2007-04-09 02:10:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The best advise is to get a new battery. Once a battery dries out like that the plates oxidise,slug builds up and my experience over the years is even if the battery comes back to life it dose not last long. 1.270 sg (Specific gravity) you need to get the mix right. Motor factors bike shops will sell or fill the battery for you.
2007-04-09 02:30:06 · answer #4 · answered by madirishmanb 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your battery is shot if it has been allowed to dry out. Fill it with acid, and the performance will be very poor. As a matter of fact, the drying process probably left "sludge" in the bottom of the battery that will cause it to short out if it hadn't already. Take it to a battery rebuilder and exchange it for a new or rebuilt battery.
2007-04-08 20:25:44 · answer #5 · answered by Fred C 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
dont play with the acid for all the price of a battery is if its dried out plates will be bent inside if you must play with acid put acid in dry battery then top up with water not the other way round or it will splash out
2007-04-09 03:01:43 · answer #6 · answered by c5 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's sulfuric acid. Most hardware stores sell it. You can also find it at Farm & Tractor Supply stores.
Be careful. That stuff is nasty if you get it on you. Wear eye protection and long rubber gloves. A face mask too. The fumes are noxious.
Chances are, Nomadd is right. The battery cells often clog up with crystals. However, sometimes they don't and you can refresh an old battery with new acid. Pour the old out first before adding new acid.
2007-04-08 21:14:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
You can get new battery acid and top up the battery - but the dealer would fill it - would not give it to you over the counter - but the cost of doing this and there being no guarantee - outweighs the cost of a new battery
2007-04-08 20:15:12 · answer #8 · answered by jamand 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Like geo46er said, you only fill a battery "once" with acid. Any time after that inital fill, only add distilled water. If the battery dried out completly, it's useless. Buy a new one.
2007-04-09 03:25:29 · answer #9 · answered by guardrailjim 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
For info, it's sulphuric acid. It won't be sucessful, the battery's had it when it dries out. Get rid of it & get a new one.
2007-04-09 05:19:34 · answer #10 · answered by champer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋